Now Craig waltzes into Strictly’s same-sex row
CRAIG Revel Horwood was criticised yesterday for predicting that same-sex couples will appear on Strictly Come Dancing as early as next year.
The acid-tongued TV judge said the format could happen. However, the idea was described as “unsuitable” by former celebrity dancer Ann Widdecombe.
Ms Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP, writes below: “This is a family show with generations watching together – and most families will not switch on if they think the programme has become unsuitable for the youngest viewers.”
Revel Horwood’s comments come after the BBC said there were “no plans” to make the move on the show.
Pointing out that the tango was originally danced between two men, he told ITV show Lorraine: “I think samesex couples can exist.
Explosive
“You only have to decide who’s going to go backwards really, that’s the only difference.”
Asked if viewers could see same-sex couples in future, he said: “I hope so, I really hope so. In the world of competition there are same-sex couples.
“So there’s no reason why that can’t happen. The Beeb has to decide whether they want to do that one year. I think it will probably happen next year.”
He added: “If you consider the tango was originally danced between two men anyway. It’s powerful, explosive, and the same can happen between two women. There’s nothing wrong, I mean you can get married now can’t you. It’s very appreciated with the community.
“It’s great to celebrate sexuality. It’s not just about sex, it’s about dancing.”
The issue has been highlighted by two of this season’s contestants.
Writer and broadcaster Reverend Richard Coles, who is in a same-sex marriage, argued it made “no sense” that anyone would resist having dancers of the same gender taking to the floor together in the hit show.
He has been paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell but said he had “a discussion” with the show’s bosses about same-sex couples taking part.
Scottish comedian Susan Calman, who is a lesbian, had been criticised on social media for not having a female professional partner. She has been paired with dancer Kevin Clifton.
A regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, she wrote on Twitter: “I wanted to dance with a man. I am not being held hostage by the BBC. I’m still well gay and proud of it.”
A BBC statement read: “Strictly has chosen the traditional format of mixedsex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition.”
Last year the US TV show Dancing With The Stars made history when contestant Nyle DiMarco, an actor and model, became the first male star to be part of a same-sex dance on the show.